1930s: The Sacco-Vanzetti case remains a controversial issue. To many people, it represents a miscarriage of justice and discrimination against racial minorities and those with radical political views.

Today: The trial of O. J. Simpson in 1995 remains controversial, since many people believe his acquittal was a miscarriage of justice because he was guilty of murdering his wife.

1930s: The effects of the Great Depression are being felt across the United States, and an attitude of pessimism about the economy is widespread.

Today: The economy may be recovering from the economic slump that coincided with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

1930s: Welfare is a new concept that has not taken effect in slums similar to the one portrayed in Winterset.

Today: The unemployed are eligible for economic assistance from the government, but this is not a comprehensive system, and there remain areas of stark poverty...